Modular manufacturing line including a buffer and methods of operation therefor

a manufacturing line and buffer technology, applied in the field of modular manufacturing lines, can solve the problems of too expensive and time-consuming to implement, modify, remove or replace the manufacturing chain, and improve the manufacturing process,
US20090277748A1Inactive Publication Date: 2009-11-12CATERPILLAR INC
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
US · United States
Patent Type
Applications(United States)
Current Assignee / Owner
CATERPILLAR INC
Publication Date
2009-11-12
Estimated Expiration
Not applicable · inactive patent

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Abstract

A manufacturing line includes a plurality of manufacturing modules positioned in series and defining a main path through the manufacturing line. A main track assembly is supported by the manufacturing modules and includes at least a first friction drive system for transporting a trolley assembly along the main path. A buffer is positioned to receive the trolley assembly from the main path and includes a first track assembly that includes at least a second friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the first track assembly. The first track assembly is sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. The sequencing buffer also includes a second track assembly that includes at least a third friction drive system for transporting the trolley assembly along the second track assembly. The second track assembly is also sized to support at least two trolley assemblies thereon. A first movable track assembly of the sequencing buffer is movable between a first position defining a first continuous path along the first movable track assembly and the first track assembly, and a second position defining a second continuous path along the first movable track assembly and the second track assembly.
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Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 151,936, filed May 9, 2008.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a modular manufacturing line, and more particularly to a manufacturing line including at least one buffer.BACKGROUND

[0003] During a manufacturing process, a product is typically advanced through a plurality of manufacturing stations of a manufacturing chain. Specifically, the product is transported through each of the manufacturing stations along an article transportation device. At each manufacturing station, a specific one of a plurality of tasks in the manufacturing process is performed. All equipment and other components necessary to perform the assigned task are positioned, and often permanently affixed, at each manufacturing station. As a result, and dependent upon the number of tasks and the complexity of the manufacturing process, a manufacturing chain i...

Claims

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